Malacañang on Tuesday urged the public to avoid panic buying of fuel and basic commodities amid concerns about price increases linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, assuring that supplies remain sufficient.
In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said there has been no unusual movement in the prices of basic goods in Metro Manila and other regions, based on information from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
“Sa ngayon po, ang sabi naman po, tulad ng aking sinabi kahapon sa DTI, wala naman daw po movement ng price sa mga basic commodities natin sa NCR at sa ibang mga region,” Castro said during a press briefing.
(For now, what we were told—as mentioned yesterday by the DTI—is that there has reportedly been no price movement in our basic commodities in the National Capital Region and in other regions.)
She advised the public to immediately report any abnormal price increases to the DTI and the Department of Energy if retailers attempt to raise prices without justification.
Castro acknowledged that fuel prices increased starting March 10, but said oil companies committed to implementing the adjustments on a staggered basis, citing an agreement Energy Secretary Sharon Garin made with industry players.
The Palace said the government recognizes public concern over developments abroad but emphasized that panic buying is unnecessary because supply levels remain adequate.
“Hindi po kailangan magkaroon ng panic buying dahil kumpleto naman po at enough pa po ang supply, lalong-lalo na ang ating fuel at ng ating mga basic commodities,” Castro said.
(There is no need for panic buying because supply is adequate and even more than enough, especially for our fuel and basic commodities.)
She said the government is urging Filipinos to prepare prudently for possible impacts of continued tensions in the Middle East while avoiding unnecessary stockpiling.
At the same time, Castro warned traders against hoarding or profiteering during the situation, emphasizing that such acts are punishable under Philippine law.
“Kapagka po kayo ay nahuli na lumalabag sa batas, nahuli na nag-hoard or umaksyon o gumawa ng profiteering, hindi po kayo tatantanan ng ating pamahalaan dahil kayo po mismo ay madedemanda at kakasuhan,” she said.
(If you are caught violating the law, caught hoarding or engaging in profiteering, you will not be spared by our government because you will be sued and charged.)
